Rick Wilson lays more of the blame on depleted coal seams and the natural gas boom. But either way, it’s led to…

7. State budget woes

The decrease in coal and natural gas severance taxes has led to a $115 million shortfall in state revenues so far this fiscal year. State employees face “draconian” cuts to their health insurance plan.

Lin and Wilson agree that any major tax reform is off the table. Even if lawmakers increase the state tobacco tax, more cuts seem inevitable.

House Speaker Tim Armstead and Senate President Bill Cole confer.

Credit Martin Valent / West Virginia Legislative Photography

6. GOP takes over W.Va. Legislature for the first time in eight decades

Even GOP leaders seemed surprised to take over both the state Senate and House for the first time in more than 80 years, Lin said.

The Legislature passed a raft of tort reform measures, but many big priorities, such as right to work and charter schools, are likely to come up in January.

5. The Great Pepperoni Roll War

Sheetz convenience stores considered replacing West Virginia-made pepperoni rolls with those made in (GASP!) Pennsylvania.

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On West Virginia Morning, Ashton Marra talks with U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin about his reaction to the verdict in the federal mine safety case against former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. Also, Jessica Lilly talks with Tony Oppegard, an attorney representing miners for his take on what the verdicts means for coal miners.

These stories on West Virginia Morning from West Virginia Public Broadcasting – telling West Virginia’s story.

West Virginia is likely to become the 26th “right-to-work” state when the legislature meets in January. GOP leaders say they have the votes, and they can override Gov. Tomblin’s veto with a simple majority.